Access and agree to receiving meals. Many students have signed up for these free lunches because they are convenient. However, senior Angela Huang says that “free lunches cause traffic in the cafeteria, making it harder to walk through” because of how popular meals have become. Despite long lunch lines, free meals have been a welcome change, ensuring that all students have access to food at school in these challenging times. Though this school year is full of changes, students should understand that improvements will come with time, and that things will get better throughout the year. We are all adapting to unprecedented circumstances amid Covid, and it’s important for everyone at EBHS to stay patient and work together to make the transition easier.

environment that fosters discussion between students. Out of all the changes at EBHS, the introduction of free lunches and breakfasts is the most popular. Unlike in previous years, these free meals are accessible to any student. To sign up, students can go to the 2021 Meal Information form in the Forms section on Parent

number of troops in Afghanistan before President-elect Joe Biden would be inaugurated. President Biden became the last to handle the war, ordering in April 2021 for a complete U.S withdrawal from Afghanistan by August 30th. As troops started leaving, the Taliban quickly took over the capital, Kabul, and the Afghanistan government collapsed. American citizens and Afghan allies were prioritized to leave the country, along with troops, but there were still thousands of Afghans who wanted to escape. All of the chaos that ensued began to surface on social media, as horrific videos appeared of Afghanis desperately trying

to flee. “It was devastating to watch and I felt hopeless not being able to do anything,” said Chahel Katoch, a junior at EBHS. The country’s future under Taliban rule is uncertain for Afghans who want a new start. “They aren’t just fighting for themselves, but also for the future of Afghanistan, so that their daughters, granddaughters, etc. can live a much happier life,” said Kailey Ye, a junior at EBHS. With over 2,400 U.S and 50,000 Afghan casualties, the war in Afghanistan has concluded, but tensions between the U.S and the Taliban remain high.

THE AFGHANISTAN WARby Dhihita Nishanth

THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF EAST BRUNSWICK HIGH SCHOOLSeptember 2021 Vol. 56, No. 1

THE CLARIONBringing You the Bear Facts

New Year, New Changes

We are all adapting to unprecedented circumstances amid Covid, and it’s important for everyone at EBHS to stay patient and work together to make the transition easier.

On August 30, 2021, America's longest war came to an end as President Joe Biden withdrew the last of the United States’ forces from Afghanistan. The Afghanistan War is considered the longest foreign war in American history. It was triggered by the September 11th attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, as well as the attempted attack on the Capitol, carried out by Al-Qaeda. At first, the war was centered on dismantling Al-Qaeda and capturing Osama Bin Laden, the “mastermind” behind the 9/11 attacks. Bin Laden, the leader of the Islamic militant group,

Afghanistan war, President Obama authorized an additional 30,000 troops to go to Afghanistan, on top of the 68,000 in place. On May 1, 2011, U.S forces located and killed the Al-Qaeda leader. Although a huge victory for the United States, the war did not end there. Due to its weak management and geography, Afghanistan remained a home to many terrorist groups such as ISIS, the Taliban, and Al Qaeda. Obama outlined plans for withdrawing most U.S forces by 2016, but the mission of eliminating terrorism was not complete. When President Trump took office, he decided not to pull troops out of Afghanistan and instead to continue the United States’ military commitment in Afghanistan to prevent it from becoming a “vacuum for terrorists.” He also tried to ease into peace talks with the Taliban, but these plans were quickly abandoned when a U.S. soldier was killed in a Taliban-operated attack. In 2020, talks of peace began once again when U.S Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller announced plans to halve the

was being harbored by the Taliban, an Islamist religious-political movement that controlled Afghanistan at the time. President George W. Bush signed a joint resolution which authorized the use of force against those who attacked the United States on 9/11. America then started a bombing campaign against the Taliban in hopes of capturing Bin Laden and preventing terrorism in the country. The mission of capturing Bin Laden took 10 years, concluding after the transition from the Bush administration to the Obama administration. After recommitting to the

Council on Foreign RelationsFormer President George W. Bush addresses Congress in a joint meeting

TheHillU.S. troops leaving Afghanistan

School is back in session for the 2021-2022 school year, and as students readjust to in-person learning at EBHS, they must also adapt to the major changes being implemented: block scheduling, homerooms, and free lunches. Arguably the largest change, block scheduling, involves students attending classes for 82 minute periods in an A/B schedule. On A days, students attend their first 4 classes, and on B days, students attend their remaining 4 classes. East Brunswick incorporated this system with the belief that it would allow students to understand subjects in greater depth and eliminate the need to rush teaching in shorter 42 minute periods. v According to Mrs. Hagan,

will adjust to the new schedule, improving the quality of their learning. Also new to EBHS are standalone homerooms: 15 minute periods between the first two classes of the day where students listen to morning announcements, they only have 10 minutes left.” Unfortunately, Olakangil’s opinion is not a rare one; a lot of other students believe that it is not worth it to walk across the school just to attend a 15 minute period. However, as we progress past the beginning of the new school year, homeroom certainly has the potential to become a productive bonding

an English and public speaking teacher at EBHS, “Block scheduling is great for college preparation and good for students because they can have that type of instruction every other day.” East Brunswick Public Schools prides itself on preparing students for their futures, and this is one of the principle steps in doing so. On the other hand, this new form of scheduling is an immense change in many students’ routines, since they have experienced learning in a different way for the entirety of their school careers. With so much on their minds already, the switch to block scheduling may leave some feeling overwhelmed. With repetition, however, students

EdSurgeBlock scheduling prepares students for what they’ll experience in college

NJ.comEBHS now offers free lunch and breakfast for all students

by Julianna Moises and Kelly Tang

Page 2

Welcome back, EBHS! Or, more accurately, Welcome!

For the first time since March 2020, EBHS is back to fully in-person learning, and after months upon months of hearing the anxiety-inducing sound of Teams notifications and only catching glimpses of each other’s foreheads against blurred backgrounds, it’s wonderful that we get to see each other’s faces again--from the eyes up, at least.

Something mind-boggling to consider: even our seniors have only experienced a few months in-person at EBHS! But, as all grades struggle equally to navigate the halls, there’s more unity and appreciation in our school than ever; finally seeing our peers in-person makes waking up at 6 AM worth it (somewhat).

If you’re a sophomore, hi there! Don’t stress too much. You’ll be just fine. If you’re a junior, hi there! Don’t stress too much. You’ll be slightly less fine, but fine nonetheless. If you’re a senior, good luck. Just try to ignore the weight of the future sitting atop your shoulders. Simple enough.

But in all seriousness, when you’re feeling a little overwhelmed, close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, and remember that you have the support of your friends, family, fellow students, and incredible teachers and counselors.

Now that we’re back, there's this sense that we are, at last, living the coveted high school experience that we’ve heard so much about. So let’s make the most of it.

Have an amazing year, EBHS!

- Carson and Devin

From the Editors-in-Chief:

EIC Note

THE CLARIONSTAFF 2021-2022

Editor-in-Chief

Editor-in-Chief

Executive Assistant Editor

Executive Assistant Editor

Visual Editor

Visual Editor

Entertainment Editor

Entertainment Editor

Opinions Editor

Opinions Editor

News Editor

News Editor

Features Editor

Features Editor

Sports Editor

Sports Editor

Advisor

Advisor

Carson He

Devin Hecht

Sabrina Portnoy

Aaron Tsui

Kristen Lee

Fiona Sheard

Julie Kim

Shohini Mitra

Karis Mao

Olivia Woodard

Dhihita Nishanth

Amanda Sun

Julianna Moises

Kelly Tang

Raul Martinez

Jarod Struminger

Mrs. Alyson Eliades

Mr. Ryan Hynes

Kristen Lee Kristen Lee

Interested in submitting original drawings, cartoons, comics, and other artwork to be featured in our publications? Contact clarion.visual2022@gmail.com for more information!

Page 3 Homeroom Huddle

Homeroom HuddleFind out what EBHS students and staff think about different issues through our

Homeroom Huddle Q & A’s. This month: a spotlight on our seniors!

Q: How does it feel to be a senior? What do you hope to gain from your final year at EBHS?

It’s a conflicting feeling. On one hand I don’t feel like a senior because of online learning and going into quarantine sophomore year—we’re still kind of navigating. However, it’s still nice knowing that we’re almost at the end of the road and getting our diplomas soon. Something I personally hope to get at my final year at EBHS is to socialize more with my friends outside of an academic setting as it was something I wasn’t able to do much throughout high school.”

- Austin Yang

“

It’s weird to think that I’m a senior now. The last year still hasn’t registered in my brain and I’m now thrust into this new world. I haven’t had the time to feel like I’ve grown. College stuff is scary and I still feel like it’s not real. But it’s nice to finally be back in school. I get to actually see and meet new people.”

- Sharon Lee

“ It feels both good and bad to be a senior because we only have a year left before we graduate and progress into a new part of our lives. However, that also means we only have one year left with our teachers and fellow students here at EB who I am going to miss a lot. I hope to spend some time with my friends and have fun with them before we part ways.”

- Roma Prasad

“

Being a senior feels somewhat more underwhelming than I thought it would. I expected to feel happy and relieved by the fact that this is the last and most fun year of high school, but it just feels really ordinary. September will be over soon and I still can’t grasp the fact that I am finally a senior!”

- Moneka Demian

“

Finally being a senior feels like treading through mud, but we’re finally in the shallow end. I feel neither a sense of accomplishment nor the feeling of being old but it’s especially exciting to experience what feels like a year’s worth of missed opportunities. Our final year at EBHS feels much more rewarding, and I hope this year is one we all remember.”

- Matt Chuah

“

I feel really weird being a senior because I can not believe this my last year of high school and school where teachers hold your hand and guide you. It’s like the last year where I am going to be in a very protected environment which is scary but exciting. I conflicted on my feelings since i’m excited to be out of high school but sad that i’ll be leaving a comfort environment.”

- Sonia Kurian

“

It feels absolutely so surreal to be a senior this year! It is crazy how fast time flies by! I remember being a sophomore for the first time at EBHS and meeting all of the friends I am now going to be graduating with.”

- Lillian Love

“

Being a senior is lit. It’s nice that we’re the oldest kids in the school and kinda rule over the underclassmen. My favorite part of senior year is playing on the football field. I hope to play football in college but nothing is certain. It’s great being able to play the game I love with my friends. Everyone come to the football games and cheer us on.”

- James Sparrow

“

It feels overwhelming and great to be a senior! On one hand, I’ll be going to college really soon and on the other hand, the year already feels really long with college applications and long classes. Regardless, I’m really looking forward to making a lot of unforgettable memories!”

- Kamala Karuppiah

“

It feels exciting to be a senior because I can come in later through late-in and take the variety of courses available for seniors. From my final year, I hope to make the most out of what happens and get into the colleges I want.”

- Mariam Rezk

“

It feels uncertain and hopeful being a senior. Knowing that this is my final year, I still don’t know what to do with my life. I’ve been through many experiences throughout my four years of high school - some questionable and some memorable. Out of all those experiences, I’ve learned a lot about myself and I’ve seen myself grow a lot. Hopefully I gain more certainty as to what I want to do in life. Honestly, there is no clear answer. I want to gain more appreciation for myself and others because we’ve all been through a lot. I’m hoping to leave high school without any regrets.”

- Shelby Han

“

It feels like we hit the skip button and fast-forwarded to being seniors. It was weird being back at school because it still felt like I was a sophomore. I just hope to be able to contribute to the school as much as possible before leaving.”

- Abraar Shariff

“

Being a senior is absolutely wonderful. My favorite part is driving to school and thus getting to force my little brother to listen to my music. I am very happy that we get somewhat of a chance to redeem our Covid years with football games and hopefully homecoming and prom and graduation all back to normal. This year I want to use student council and homeroom reps to help make school as fun as it can be for every student and lay the groundwork for the years to come. It is also scary doing college apps and knowing that in less than a year I’ll be in school and that everything is going to be so different. But it’s mostly fun!”

- Nora Hennessy

“

It honestly feels like I'm still supposed to be a sophomore. It feels like no time has passed when I walked back in on the first day of school. This senior year I hope to just make up for the time I missed. From having conversations with my teachers, struggling together with my classmates, and even to just see the faces of my friends. It's the little experiences I hope I can keep alive this year before I make my way out to a new life.”

- Rachel Chong

“

Q: What advice would you give to sophomores navigating their first year of high school?

Page 4 EB Words of Wisdom

EB Words of WisdomNeed some advice? Check out EB Words of Wisdom to discover tips and tricks from

fellow students and teachers. This month: hear what our editorial staff has to say!

Q: Any advice on surviving junior year?

Carson: Enjoy it! This is a time for discovery, not freaking out--that can wait till later. Just take in your surroundings, get to know everyone, explore your interests, and find out what works for you!

Devin: Above all, get involved! Join as many clubs as you’re interested in, and make the most out of your classes- that’s the best way to find out what you like! You’ll meet amazing people and learn a lot :)

Aaron: If you feel lost or directionless during your sophomore year, don't be scared because this is the time for you to try different things and see what you enjoy. Find activities that spark your interest, whether that be school clubs, sports, or just something that you heard your friends talk about. There is an extremely diverse selection of clubs and activities at EBHS and I'm sure you will find something you truly enjoy.

Sabrina: Sophomore year may seem difficult to navigate, but it only takes a few things to do so successfully. My most important tip for sophomores is to not be scared to ask for help from teachers and upperclassmen, whether it be about an assignment or how to get to K Hall. We are all here to help make your transition to the high school as smooth as possible. Good luck this year :)Julianna: I recommend going to as many school-held events as possible. One of the biggest differences between EBHS and Churchill is the amount of fun events. The events are a great way of making friends, feeling a greater sense of school spirit, and making memories that last forever.

Kelly: As a sophomore, I think it’s important to figure out what you enjoy doing beyond academics. Join as many clubs as you want and test everything out. It not only helps you make friends, get leadership positions, and feel more engaged with the school, but it helps you figure out what you may want to pursue.Jarod: Don’t be scared to ask for help, whether it’s a teacher or upperclassmen. Teachers are here to help you and upperclassmen aren’t going to bully you for asking for help. We were all in your position once, don’t fall behind because you’re scared to ask for help.

Raul: Be open to learning about new skills, hobbies, and even concerns you may have. Information will be hurled at you from all sides, both positive and negative, and you must face the reality that you will not be able to handle everything flawlessly every time. But that is what high school is for: learning.

Carson: It’s easy to get caught up in everything going on at school--APs, tests, extracurriculars. Those are important, but remind yourself to also make time for things you like. Go binge a Netflix show. Go eat too much ice cream. Keeping your grades up and having fun aren’t mutually exclusive.

Devin: My best advice for Juniors is to remember that balance is so important. Work hard, but make sure to find time for your friends, and for hobbies you enjoy. Think about college, but don’t obsess over it!

Aaron: For many of you juniors, this is your first year being in high school and with the pressure of that, combined with school and other extracurriculars, it may feel like it's all just too much. Don't be scared to ask for help; there's no shame in it. Your teachers and counselors are always there to answer your questions and help you out. For those taking AP exams or standardized tests, remember that you aren't just a number.

Sabrina: While you may have heard the Junior year is the hardest in your High school career, surviving it is possible. Stay on top of the your assigned work for each class, so you have time to do other things such as club activities and hang out with friends. Another important tip is that when it comes to AP tests, if you are taking any, make sure to start studying at least a month in advance so that you do not end up cramming two weeks prior to your exam date. You’ve got this, good luck Juniors :)

Julianna: I recommend building strong relationships with your counselor and teachers. Not only does it make the classroom experience easier and more fun, but also improves your chances of getting great recommendation letters. Doing this goes a long way, helping colleges to see the best parts of your personality.

Kelly: The advice I have for juniors is to focus on academics but allow yourself to enjoy other things. You don’t want to push yourself to the point where you burn out but, push yourself enough so that you won’t regret anything. Hard work does pay off and even though it can be difficult, it is an important step to achieving your goals.Jarod: Beginning to think about college can be extremely stressful and scary but enjoy the time you have in high school. While thinking ahead can be exciting don’t get too ahead of yourself and still focus on the time you have left. Continue to try in class and try to boost your GPA as much as possible. SAT and ACT testing is a bit nerve-wracking but grades don’t define you!

Raul: Juniors, when you build your college list, think about whether they reflect the academic atmosphere in which you will be challenged and whether they provide the possibilities you desire. Take some time to think about what's most important to you, and let that guide your college search.

Page 5 Clubs, Features, & Entertainment

After a strange hybrid/virtual school year, EBHS students are finally returning to full time in-person learning

As in most years, many incoming sophomores have never walked the school’s halls. Luckily, they got the chance to attend sophomore orientation on September 1st. In addition to sophomores being introduced to the school, selected seniors guides had the opportunity to give tours. Afterwards, both sophomores and seniors had much to reflect on. Sophomore Elaine Chu said, “The orientation seemed a bit rushed and I didn’t really get to know where the halls were, but it was nice to walk around the building and become familiar with the environment.” While many sophomores could not attend the orientation, the ones who did agreed that they enjoyed seeing their peers as they prepared to enter this new

Welcome, Class of 2024phase in their high school careers. For senior Leona Jain, it was not only exciting to be able to see her friends while touring guides,, but also “nostalgic to see sophomores sit in the auditorium and get introduced to things that not so long ago, [she] had to go through.” Senior Christina Ayad felt like “[she] was getting reintroduced to the school and [her] advice was limited because [she] did not even get a full year at the high school.” Because of seniors’ lack of a normal junior year, being back in the school was all the more exciting and felt like returning home. Although many sophomores are still getting acclimated to their new school environment, orientation was a refreshing experience that allowed them to get a “sneak peak” into life at the high school. For seniors, it was a time to reminisce on their past and share their experiences with the class of 2024.

by Julianna Moises and Kelly Tang

EBHS HomepageThe scoreboard at the EBHS football stadium, which reads, “Welcome to EBHS”

EB ExtracurricularsWant to get involved in extracurricular activities at EBHS? Here’s a

list of the many clubs our school has to offer!

★ Academic Team★ A2J: According to Jesus★ American Civil Liberties

Union★ Amnesty International★ Anime Club★ Art Honor Society★ Black Student Union★ Asian American Studies★ Chess Club★ Chorus★ Clarion★ Class Council (Senior,

Junior, and Sophomore)★ Code Club★ Concert Band & Wind

Ensemble★ Coptic Club★ Drama Club★ DRAAPA★ EBTECS★ FCCLA★ Folio★ French Honor Society★ FBLA

★ Gender and Sexuality Partnerships (GASP)

★ German Honor Society★ Hindu Club★ Interact Club★ International Culture Club★ Intramurals Dance★ Italian Honor Society★ Jazz Ensemble★ Jewish Culture Club★ Key Service Organization★ Marching Band★ Math Honor Society★ Math Team★ Mock Trial★ Model UN/International

Club★ Tri M National Music

Honor Society★ Muslim Student Association★ National English Honor

Society★ National Honor Society★ Orchestra★ Political Club

★ Pre-Medical Club★ Psychology Club★ Rho Kappa National Social

Studies Honor Society★ Robotics Club★ Science Honor Society★ Science Olympiad Team★ Science Team★ Spanish Honor Society★ Student Council★ Students Against Violating

the Environment (SAVE)★ Video Newsmakers★ Video Production Club★ Waksman Student Scholars

Club★ Yearbook (The Emerald)

Fill out this Google Form to get your club’s event/meeting date on the calendar of The Weekly

by The Clarion. For club interviews, DM @ebhs.clarion

or email clarion.aeic2022@gmail.com.

are the perfect duo. Their voices fit perfectly together,” said EBHS junior Charmaine Tang. “I think old Justin Bieber fans were very satisfied with the nostalgia factor of the song.” “Rumors” by Lizzo and Cardi B., another hit collaboration, made a lot of buzz this summer in quite an unconventional way. The song gained attention after Lizzo hinted at her collaboration with Cardi B. in a viral TikTok in August. “I was never really a big fan of Lizzo” said EBHS junior Emilie Lee. “But after hearing the song hundreds of times on my For You page, I can confidently say that I love her music.” Due to the numerous record-breaking songs of the summer, fans are eagerly awaiting what is to come in the careers of these talented artists.

From Justin Bieber and Kid LAROI to Lizzo and Cardi B., the top music collaborations of summer 2021 haven't failed to impress. Over the past few months, numerous unlikely artists teamed up to create and produce record-breaking tracks. Countless avid music listeners from all over the world streamed collaborative songs, pushing them to the top of the charts. As number one on Billboard’s Top 100, Justin Bieber and Kid LAROI’s “Stay” topped both national and global charts mere days after its release. According to Spotify, it was streamed over 65,000,000 times on the platform. Fans were taken aback by the onstage chemistry between Bieber

and Kid LAROI during their live show back in July. Loyal Bieber fans were also ecstatic upon hearing the song’s nostalgic vibe. “Kid LAROI and Justin Bieber

From “Stay” to Z: Summer Collabsby Shohini Mitra

ForbesJustin Bieber and Kid LAROI at the grand opening of h.wood Group’s Delilah

Atlantic Records

Lizzo and Cardi B. posing in a photoshoot for their song “Rumors”

Mendez said. So far it seems to have been working out. The Bears have not had to shut down due to a positive Covid test and are looking forward to having a great, semi-normal season. Rebecca Bravman also shared how Covid has influenced her mindset. “With potential Covid outbreaks, we have no idea when our season could end,” said the varsity field hockey player. “I play every game like it’s my last because it very well could be.” Bravman added that their senior night was postponed due to a positive Covid test. For athletes who don’t go on to play college sports, senior year is their swansong. So, even with all of Covid’s challenges, they’re trying to make the most of their time out on the field.

With potential Covid outbreaks we have no idea when our season could end...I play every game like it’s my last because it very well could be.

- Senior Rebecca Bravman

Page 6

Covid-19 has been difficult for students not just in the classroom, but out on the field as well. In a normal world, sports are an escape from the stress of everyday life. However, in a world of mask mandates, social distancing, and contact-tracing, sports can be more stressful than exciting. EBHS seniors Joe Mendez and Rebecca Bravman have played fall sports throughout their high school careers but are having a unique experience their senior year. Joe Mendez, a halfback and cornerback for the Varsity Bears football team, says there has been real struggle in other schools.

“We notice there are other football teams around Middlesex County that find themselves having to shut down for weeks at a time due to Covid. We try to avoid that through mask policies, and we are avoiding large social get-togethers,”

EB Sports in a Covid Worldby Jarod Struminger

Sports & Opinions

sports will give them the chance to take their skills to the next level. "I want to continue to challenge myself at basketball by playing against the best in college," Perez said when asked if she would pursue basketball in college. At the end of the day, no two athletes are the same, and it’s important that they choose whichever path is best for them. Whether or not our seniors decide to stick with sports, they can all look back fondly on their high school athletics careers. "I don't know if I'll ever play for another school competitively again,” said senior soccer player Gabe Ospina. “All I can do is live in the moment and smile on the journey I had."

As our senior athletes enter their last year of high school sports, they’re posed with a challenging question: What place do sports have, if any, in their future? While some competitors choose to pursue sports in college, others decide that it's time to say goodbye. For some athletes, their decision boils down to striking the right balance between athletics and schoolwork. When asked about his future in track, senior Steven Chase, a four-letter varsity track runner, said, "I truly do love track with all my heart, but I think it's time for me to hang up the cleats and focus more on my academics." Other senior athletes, such as basketball star Rebecca Perez, believe that competing in college

The Future of Our Athletesby Raul Martinez

International competitions over the summer have sparked new discussions about mental health in the world of athletics as high-profile athletes have dropped out of competitions. Professional tennis player Naomi Osaka withdrew from the French Open and the Wimbledon championships in June. According to her agent, she decided to take “'personal time with friends and family.” Osaka has often been vocal about mental health in sports, and by not competing in major tournaments, has brought the issue into the spotlight.

in sports.Junior Hailey Kim, a

varsity volleyball player, said, “Biles and Osaka withdrawing for mental health reasons was a courageous thing to do; she was not in the right state of mind and faced too much pressure. Their actions have set an example for all athletes and prove that negative experiences associated with sports are normal and must be talked about.” Although sports are a major commitment in an athlete’s life, their emotional well-being should never be sacrificed. All athletes face stress when it comes to competition, practice, and their own performance, but excess stress can be detrimental to overall health. Accumulated pressure can alter decision making, causing decreased success in a sport.

To junior Twinkal Barai, “Athletes are human before they enter their court or field. It’s crucial for them to take care of themselves- minimizing stress for competitors can take many shapes. There is a no cure-all

for every athlete, and whensome cases of stress are more serious than others, athletes may consider seeking professional help. Therapists can help target sources of poor mental health and provide effective treatment plans.

The stigma around mental health in sports is fading as a result of actions taken by professional players like Osaka and Biles. It is important for all athletes to look after themselves while still enjoying their respective sports; seeking help when needed is not a sign of weakness, but rather one of strength.

medicine but there are many opportunities for athletes to recover, especially as mental health becomes less stigmatized.”

For athletes of all skill levels, stress is a common experience, and combating it is a challenge in and of itself. A small step athletes can take is to communicate with trusted people close to them, including teammates, friends, family members, and coaches. Meditation, listening to music, taking walks, and coloring are simple ways to lower stress levels. Nonetheless, circumstances are different

Later in the summer, during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, USA Gymnastics’ Simone Biles took a similar course. After competing and getting the “twisties,” a mental block causing the gymnast to “get lost” in midair, Biles took a break from competing, as her mental state risked her getting seriously injured. Often referred to as the “greatest of all time,” Biles was under immense pressure to perform well. Despite criticism, her decision to withdraw took strength and called to attention the seriousness of mental health

Athletes Shining a Spotlight on Mental Healthby Karis Mao and Olivia Woodard

ReutersSimone Biles on the vault at the 2020 Olympic Games

News 24Naomi Osaka withdrew from the French Open and Wimbledon

Clarke Caton HintzThe East Brunswick High School Stadium

MyCentralJersey.comThe EBHS football team rushes onto the field

Page 7 News, Opinions, & Entertainment

The Free Britney movement was launched in 2009, long before it became a hot-button issue, taking more than a decade to finally catch the attention of the public. Nonetheless, Spears has been getting an overwhelming amount of support from various communities all over the world. “I’m in love with how much support Spears is getting and how people are finally recognizing how unfair her situation is. I really hope that she can get rid of it [conservatorship] and finally live the life she wants,” said EBHS junior Isabella Cheng. On September 7, 2021, Spears’s father filed to end her conservatorship, his lawyers saying that if the pop-star “believes that she can handle her own life, Mr. Spears believes that she should get that chance.” Ultimately, many fans hope that Spears finds freedom and happiness in spite of the adversity she’s faced.

Britney Spears is more than ready to end her conservatorship with her father, James Spears, after a long thirteen years under his control.

After being put into a 5150 psychiatric hold in 2008, the pop icon was placed under his care. According to the California Court, a conservatorship is when a person is appointed to make decisions for the “conservatee.” In Spears’s court hearing, she claimed to have no financial or legal rights, and has been forced to work against her will. When Spears testified against her conservatorship in late June, many were in disbelief. “I didn’t know of the situation until it became controversial,” said EBHS junior Kaylin Chung. “I was shocked about how she had such little control over her own life. You would think her life would be perfect, being a globally-recognized singer. But instead, her reality was actually the complete opposite.”

Toxic: Britney Spears and herConservatorship Nightmare

by Julie Kim

As if the COVID-19 pandemic wasn’t enough of a strain on the nation already, Hurricane Ida hit America and devastated much of the East Coast and Louisiana. The storm cost an estimated $95 billion in damages to infrastructure according to CNBC, and resulted in a nationwide death toll of at least 82 people, according to CBS News. It was classified as a Category 4 storm, the second highest hurricane classification on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale, with winds reaching speeds of 150 miles per hour.

floods caused by the heavy rain and wind also destroyed businesses in cities and the basements of houses. Massive flooding occurred elsewhere along the East Coast in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida. Affected areas included Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey, New York, and even states as far north as Maine. Junior Keith Huang, who was visiting Maine at the time Hurricane Ida hit, recounted his experience

there, saying, “My aunt’s house flooded and the basement had almost a foot of dirty water.” Junior Avery Chen described being outside during the storm, saying, “My brother and I went out to eat and we had to drive home through flooded roads.” Fortunately, in East Brunswick, although some roads experienced flooding as

emphasized a collective need for the nation to focus on climate change. He called for a bill on improving infrastructure to make cities more resistant to storm damage. The bill would set aside funds for flood-proof power stations and underground electrical lines. Hurricane Ida brought devastation and destruction to many Americans, but it was no doubt an eye-opening experience. It is time to come together as a nation to protect the earth so a cleaner and safer planet can be left behind for the generations to come.

a result of the storm, there were no road closures or detours. The severity of Hurricane Ida has reopened the conversation about the pressing issue of climate change. Global warming strengthened the storm as it moved closer inland over the warmer waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The heat from the water fueled Hurricane Ida, ultimately allowing the storm to cause as much damage as it did. President Joe Biden, while touring the damage caused by the hurricane in New York and New Jersey, Ida officially made landfall

on August 29, 2021, in Louisiana, which suffered the largest amount of damage. Wind speeds became so alarmingly high that the state issued a rare extreme wind warning, urging its residents to seek shelter. Downed power lines plunged Louisiana into darkness, leaving more than 1 million people without electricity. The subsequent excessive heat in Louisiana was also responsible for many deaths, as residents were unable to cool off without the electricity needed to power their air-conditioners. Flash

Hurricane Ida: A Rude Wake-up Callby Amanda Sun

Data released by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association revealed that July 2021 was the hottest month in recorded history. Two months later, the remnants of Hurricane Ida became New Jersey’s second-deadliest storm. These records are not coincidences; a recent United Nations report published claims that human influence on climate change is “unequivocal” in ways that are “widespread and rapid.”

Much has been done to combat climate change in America. States that have joined the U.S. Climate Alliance, a coalition of bipartisan governors committed to upholding the Paris Agreement, have agreed to reduce greenhouse gases by at least 26% by 2025 in their states. President Biden rejoined the Agreement in January with hopes of furthering an international response to the crisis. Despite these efforts, this summer’s tragic events prove that

The Hottest Month in Historymore actions must be taken. Carbon taxes may be an effective solution, since revenue raised can be used to fund new infrastructure and communities devastated by climate change while also reducing carbon emissions. EBHS’s SAVE President Bella Volker said, “Sustainable options for energy need to become more economical on a global scale. If entrepreneurs can increasingly invest in innovative sustainable energy sources, greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced immensely.” Though a cliche, we must do our part to mitigate the impacts of global warming. Junior Vivian Fang said, “There are many solutions to this issue, but most of us rarely implement them- we use cars for short distances when we can instead walk or ride a bike or forget to turn down the AC or heat. These may seem like small steps to be taken, but together we can achieve a more sustainable future.”

by Karis Mao and Olivia Woodard

ShriftCooperation is key to a healthy climate

Associated PressPresident Biden visits Manville, NJ, in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida

The New York TimesHurricane Ida caused extreme amounts of flooding in areas like Louisiana and New York, which resulted in massive power outages for millions of people across America

The Straits TimesA satellite image of Hurricane Ida as it travels towards Louisiana

It is time to come together as a nation to protect the earth so a cleaner and safer planet can be left behind for the generations to come.

Geo.tvBritney Spears and her father, James Spears

CNNSpears recently got engaged to boyfriend Sam Asghari